Violence against women is an issue that cannot wait. A brief look at the statistics makes it clear. At least one out of every three women is likely to be beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime. Through the practice of prenatal sex selection, countless others are denied the right even to exist. No country, no culture, no woman young or old is immune to this scourge. Far too often, the crimes go unpunished, the perpetrators walk free.

The campaign will build upon the decades of work by women activists and civil society organizations. It will run until 2015 and calls for the cooperation of the UN, national governments, and society in general to end global violence against women. However, such a global agenda reflects many international complexities, where “violence against women” can be manifested in many different forms, including many that are connected to women’s reproductive rights and health.

For example, data from the World Health Organization denotes that young women worldwide are particularly vulnerable to coerced sex and are increasingly being infected by HIV/AIDS. In fact, over half of new HIV infections worldwide are occurring among young people, and more than 60% of HIV positive youth between the ages 15-24 are female. Morevoer, acknowledging violence against women domestically and internationally provides further momentum and consciousness raising around gender inequality.